Doctor Answers 18

Syringe or Cannula.

July 3rd, 2014

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Both Syringe and Cannula are excellent methods to inject Restylane in the tear trough. This is an off-label injection. I generally prefer a needle to a Cannula. They both actually use syringes, but it's a matter of whether or not you use a needle. The Cannula can be considered by some physicians to be less traumatic, but I feel it really is a question of the injection technique. You can equally inject with a needle. I feel that a needle produces more collagen stimulation, and you can get into different planes more easily. The important thing is which one the doctor is more comfortable with and is more experienced using - particularly in the eye area. That said, both a very small needle and a very small cannula can be used.

Microcannula for Tear Trough Treatment

June 14th, 2014

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I prefer using a microcannula when
injecting filler, especially under the eyes since this is such a delicate
area. A needle is used to create an
insertion point and then the microcannula is used to inject the filler. This allows for careful and precise injection
of the filler. Using a microcannula
reduces the chance of bruising and makes for a more comfortable
experience. I suggest finding a doctor
who has experience using microcannulas and has great before and after
results. I hope this helps!

Restylane Pictures

Syringe or Cannula? Which is Better for Injecting Restylane in Tear Trough?

June 5th, 2014

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In general, a blunt cannula is the better option for this area of the face. Using a blunt cannula will give the following advantages:

1) Reduced risk of bruising2) Increased safety for the patient

Restylane is a great filler for the tear trough, and will yield a great result when the injections are performed properly by a specialist. I would recommend seeking the advice of the following board certified physicians when having treatment with Restylane:

Restylane in the Tear Trough

I like to
inject Restylane with a cannula into the tear troughs of my patients; I find
that it causes less swelling than Juverderm and has more natural look than
Belotero.

When I use a
cannula there is generally one insertion point. When you inject with a needle
there are several injection sites causing more possibility of swelling,
bruising and lumps and bumps under the eye.

I think the
cannula method under the eye is superior to the needle method, the end result
is much smoother with less bruising and swelling.

It is best
to consult with a Board Certified Dermatologist to with plenty of experience
treating under eye hollows.

Be careful with tear trough injections! You may get the swollen look.

May 31st, 2014

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I think tear trough injections are done so often without any regard to aesthetic value. While a few may benefit, most will only regret making this choice. So, why do a lot of cosmetic surgeons readily inject the tear trough? Because people, like yourself, are asking for this specific treatment. I think it is best to have your face evaluated by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. Why? Because plastic surgeons spend the most of their training and practice in learning and knowing how to change the facial anatomy to more aesthetic and natural proportions. Your one photo is not enough to know that you would benefit from augmenting your cheeks rather than filling in the tear trough areas or both. It's much more complicated than people realize. This is why there are more and more awkward 'swollen' looking people these days. The syringe vs. cannula is more an argument of safety. Doctors, who don't know the anatomy so well, will say cannula is safer. Doctors, who know the anatomy well, will say it doesn't matter. And remember, good doctors will not do something that is either not of aesthetic value for you or take risks that are greater than the benefits. Good luck!

Syringe Is More Precise For Placing Filler In Tear Troughs

June 5th, 2014

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I have been injecting tear troughs for over twenty years, dating from the early days using the original Zyderm collagen filler. I have great experience in using both cannulas and needles for treating this delicate region and have found that properly chosen needles can yield excellent results with a side effect profile--i.e. likelihood of swelling and bruising--that is in no way significantly inferior to that achieved with cannulas.

I prefer to use Belotero Balance, rather than other fillers, including diluted Restylane (which is often chosen for under the eyes), since this product does not result in the unwanted, bluish Tyndall Effect that can be seen when other fillers are injected too superficially or within the delicate skin under the eyes. I also use only one entrance site per side, just as with cannulas, that is numbed beforehand (making the whole treatment painless) and can reach all areas using a 1.5 inch needle. And since the needle is more rigid than a microcannula, the material placement can be better controlled--meaning a better outcome.

It is especially important to seek out a board certified aesthetic core physician with extensive experience and expertise in treating this more demanding location.

Needle or cannula for tear trough injections?

June 2nd, 2014

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It is difficult to say that a microcannula is better than a needle for tear trough injections, or vice-versa. It is probably fair to say that a microcannula is a little safer, somewhat less likely to cause bruising, and possibly a little less uncomfortable for the patient, and makes the procedure longer, but it can be more difficult to place the product exactly where you want it with a microcannula than with a needle, and with a microcannula you have a little nick in the skin at the entry point(s) that may take one to three days to heal.

An advanced injector would probably feel comfortable working with either, and would decide which to use based on your anatomy, your bruising tendency, how tolerant you are to developing some bruising, and your ability to tolerate discomfort (for a procedure that is generally not very painful in any case). And even after a microcannula injection, a needle injection is often necessary to fine-tune the treatment.

It is important, I think, is to find an advanced injector who is highly experienced with tear-trough injections and is comfortable with both approaches whom you trust to choose the best approach for you. You are likely, then, to be happy with both the procedure and the results.

I Prefer Using a Cannula for Injecting Restylane in the Tear Trough

While both a needle and a cannula can be used to inject the tear trough, I prefer the cannula. In my mind, using an instrument that is blunt has clear advantages to a sharp needle. They include:

1) Decreased risk of bruising2) Improved safety3) Less needle sticks in a sensitive area of the face

As long as the product is place deep, I have never seen the bluish color from injection with Restylane. Currently, I only use Restylane in the area and I get the best and longest lasting results in this area with that product.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.